Long-time Verde Valley resident Lin Mickelsen, who recently joined the financial planning professionals at Taylor & Huntley Financial Group, just returned from a national conference in San Diego, upgrading her continuing education in financial planning.

It was a big-time reopening at the Cottonwood McDonalds Restaurant on State Route 260 on Saturday with Ronald McDonald, giveaways, face painting, bounce houses, a rock climbing wall and bungee trampolines.

Two regional businesses are the latest beneficiaries of the VVREO Revolving Loan Fund. Galina Fine Jewelers of Cottonwood, a 10-year old retail operation, will use a loan to increase inventory, make store improvements and upgrade its marketing.